Building materials group Hanson said profits for the last half year rose 12 per cent, helped by a strong performance from its UK operations.

The group, which produces aggregates and ready-mixed concrete, said pre-tax profits before one-off costs rose to £145.1 million in the six months to June 30, up from £129.2 million the same time last year.

Hanson said strong performance from the UK and Australia helped offset challenging trading conditions in the United States.

Chief executive Alan Murray said this pattern was set to continue into the second half year.

He said: "Assuming normal weather and no further weakness in the dollar, we would expect a marginal improvement over last year's performance for the full year."

Bottom-line pre-tax profits were £129 million, against £235.6 million. Last year's figure was enhanced by a £125 million gain on the sale of its waste management business.

Turnover dropped to £1.99 billion, against £2.04 billion.

In the United States, reduced demand for aggregates meant profits fell from £136.5 million to £131.8 million.

In the European building materials arm, profits jumped from £66 million to £74.8 million, with the UK accounting for most of the increase.

Operations in the UK, where Hanson employs 6,000 staff, had a good start to the year but demand for aggregates and concrete fell in June, impacted by the Jubilee bank holiday and World Cup.

Australia also turned in a strong performance, doubling profits to £15.2 million.

Shareholders will be paid an interim dividend of 4.55p a share, up from 4.45p last year.